The ravioli, as we know it, was first mentioned in history from a merchant in Venice, Italy. Ravioli is a filling between two layers of thin pasta dough. The filling options are as endless as your imagination, and today is a perfect day to experiment and enjoy National Ravioli Day. The word “ravioli” comes from an Old Italian word “riavvolgere,” which means “to wrap.”

The Guinness World Records’ record for the longest ravioli was 96 ft. and was achieved in St. Petersburg, Russia in 2013. Chef Boiardi made the ravioli famous, in the United States, by canning it. I don’t recommend it unless coming home from a long night and need something to fill you up. Chef Biordi’s real name was Ettore Boiardi, or you could just call him “Hector.” He was actually a very well accomplished chef and began his career at age eleven. When he came to the United States and changed his name to Hector, he worked at the Greenbrier and New York Plaza. He even catered President Woodrow Wilson’s second marriage.

Today, enjoy some ravioli!

Questions?

If you have any questions about this article or flight crew culinary training, contact me at jdetloff@airculinaire.com. For questions about in-flight catering, contact weborders@airculinaire.com.